There are three types if literacy which are tested by the National Assessment of Adult Literacy: prose, document and quantitative literacy. Prose literacy focuses on the ability to read and comprehend magazines, news stories, brochures and written instructions. Document literacy focuses on the read and comprehend documents like job applications, maps, food and drug labels and tax forms. Quantitative literacy focuses on the ability to read and comprehend mathematical materials like checkbook balancing, receipts and tips.
The focus of adult literacy programs is to make adults capable of completing tasks that require literacy necessary in daily life. The focus is placed on improving adult employability, community involvement and homemaking skills.
Assistance groups exist all over the United States. They offer small group and one-on-one literacy instruction and assistance for families with literacy needs. They also work to increase awareness and tolerance of adult literacy issues.